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Video: John Beilein Previews Michigan State

Video of John Beilein from media availability today. The coach discussed having some time to focus on improving his team vs. preparing them for a specific opponent, how he keeps his eye on bubble teams and what his team will have to do to sweep the Spartans. Notes and quotes are after the jump.

Talking about Michigan-Michigan State: both teams have a long, proud history and while State has been great over the past decade and a half, “and that’s our goal — to get that consistency back in our program.”

As far as controlling emotions of his players for such a big game, said he’ll “speak a little bit about it, but let’s go play.

On what he’s doing tonight: “I’m going recruiting.” Said it’s hard for him to sleep most nights, and tonight shouldn’t be any different.

“Because of the Kansas game … we haven’t had one time since Christmas when we can focus on ourselves.” Sunday, Monday and Tuesday they “spent a lot of time just making ourselves better and then we went through a normal prep like we would for any game.”

Said he’s been involved in quite a few rivalry games (referenced Le Moyne v. Gannon). “There’s a lot of excitement and a lot of interest. And other than that, it’s a game.”

On State: “Their talent is just incredible.” Have to make sure they’re shooting guarded shots, limit second opportunities and their transition offense.

“I’m sure they have a great plan, have had great practices, they have a great coach. They’ll be ready and hopefully we will be as well.”

The game in East Lansing was “certainly significant for our confidence.”

On how his team has improved: “We have a more defined rotation and people just really know their roles a lot better … now (the young guys) have a little more experience and they don’t have to wait until next year.”

On keeping an eye on the bubble: “I think I just opened up my ESPN Insider account just to see if I could do it,” but it’s not the focus right now.